Around 150,000 workers are set to receive a pay rise of between 30p and 45p an hour because of new rates for the voluntary living wage announced on Monday.

The so-called "real living wage" will increase by 45p to £10.20 an hour in London and by 30p to £8.75 in the rest of the country, with more than 3,600 employers signed up to the rates, which are higher than the statutory National Living Wage of £7.50 for over 25-year-olds.

Heathrow became the first UK airport to accredit with the Living Wage Foundation, which sets the voluntary rates.

The foundation said the increases of 4.6% in London and 3.6% elsewhere have been largely driven by higher inflation, rising housing rents and transport costs.

The announcement follows new research by KPMG showing that 5.5 million people across the UK, or 21% of the workforce, are still paid less than the voluntary rates.

Heathrow, which is among more than 150 employers to agree recently to pay the higher rate, said 3,200 airport workers will be paid the voluntary living wage by 2020.

North west workers ares set to get 30p extra an hour (Image: PA)

Living Wage Foundation director Katherine Chapman said: "The new rates will bring relief for thousands of UK workers being squeezed by stagnant wages and rising inflation.

"It's thanks to the leadership of over 3,600 employers across the UK who are committed to paying all their staff, including cleaners and security staff, a real living wage.

"Great businesses know that, even during these tough times, not only is fair pay the right thing to do but paying the real living wage brings big benefits.

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Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "Heathrow's status as a world-class airport is down to the quality and expertise of our colleagues. We firmly believe that paying the living wage is the right thing to do as a responsible employer.

"It will help us to attract and retain the best people, supporting them in building a rewarding career at Heathrow."